MGA CEO Martin Stirling appeared on 3AW Breakfast on June 18, 2026, warning that authorities are not yet doing enough to address the emerging illicit alcohol market in Victoria and that the country could be facing its next major public health disaster.
Speaking with hosts Ross and Russ, Martin warned that Melbourne and Victoria were being used as a testing ground for organised crime’s move into black market alcohol, and that without significant government and law enforcement resources, the crisis could mirror the scale of the illicit tobacco trade.
“Unfortunately, not yet. We haven’t seen commitments to significant resources and the sort of powers that authorities need to clamp down on these dodgy operators,” Martin said when asked if enough was being done.
Martin raised serious concerns about the public health risks posed by contaminated black market alcohol — including products reportedly containing methanol, paint stripper and brake fluid — warning these were being sold through illegal pop-up shops targeting cost-conscious consumers, including young people.
“This is potentially the next public health disaster this country has to confront,” Martin said.
He drew stark parallels with the tobacco crisis, noting that 80% of tobacco is now black market, and warning that alcohol could follow the same trajectory if the government fails to act.
“If the government doesn’t take this threat seriously, then absolutely. We could be looking at handing over yet another regulated market to organised crime,” Martin said.
Listen to the original segment
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